Related Content

Several North Shore families said the state has lost sight of the human impact that closing the hospital will bring.

"Whoever is making this decision needs to really relook at this and rethink it and not take this away from us," Ann Pastuszek said.

Pastuszek said Southeast Louisiana Hospital answered a prayer 15 years ago for her daughter who faced severe mental issues.

"Fifteen years old, 96 pounds, maybe, and it took three men to restrain her, so it was pretty frightening experience," Pastuszek said.

Mental health advocate Dave Mancina said the move won't save money and that local facilities can't keep patients long term.

"This is where the need is, and moving it away from us, the best facility -- Why are you going to move it to Central Louisiana?" Mancina said. "Insurance companies often too quickly put pressure on those hospitals to discharge someone after three days, and they are not ready to get out."

Mancina said closing the hospital means losing jobs, doctors and an entire community support system.